Everything You Need to Know About Advancing From RN to BSN

Advancing your nursing education is one of the most effective ways to expand your knowledge, strengthen your clinical judgment, and open the door to additional professional opportunities. For many Registered Nurses (RNs), earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a strategic next step that supports long-term career growth in an evolving healthcare environment.  Going from  RN to BSN program has many benefits that many student or nurses are not aware of.

Today’s healthcare employers increasingly value nurses who bring strong critical-thinking skills, evidence-based practice knowledge, cultural competence, and leadership readiness—key areas emphasized in BSN-level education. While an RN license provides the foundation for safe practice, a BSN helps deepen and broaden that foundation.

Why Many RNs Consider a BSN

A BSN is not required for every nursing role. However, many nurses choose to pursue the degree because they want to:

• Build advanced nursing knowledge in areas such as leadership, management, community health, and research

• Strengthen their clinical reasoning to support patient outcomes

• Prepare for future roles that may require or prefer a BSN

• Meet the growing expectations of healthcare organizations adapting to industry demands

• Enhance their professional confidence and long-term career mobility

A BSN is an academic credential—not a guarantee of employment, promotion, or salary. Instead, it is an investment in skill development that may support future career opportunities.

Why RNs Choose an RN-to-BSN Program

An RN-to-BSN program is specifically structured for currently licensed Registered Nurses who want to continue their education while maintaining work and personal responsibilities. Programs like the RN-to-BSN pathway at Beckfield College are designed with working adults in mind and emphasize flexibility, accessibility, and academic rigor.

Key reasons RNs consider an RN-to-BSN pathway:

1. 100% Online Coursework Designed for Working Nurses

Online delivery allows RNs to complete coursework without commuting to campus. Students can typically choose part-time or full-time study options depending on their schedules. Flexibility does not reduce academic expectations—students are responsible for meeting all course requirements and deadlines.

2. A Curriculum That Builds on Existing RN Knowledge

RN-to-BSN programs expand on foundational RN competencies and include coursework such as:

• Leadership and management in professional nursing

• Evidence-based practice and research literacy

• Community and public health nursing

• Health policy and advocacy

• Cultural competence and population health

• Professional development and contemporary issues in nursing

These courses support deeper critical-thinking skills and a broader understanding of the healthcare system.

3. A Time-Efficient Pathway for Returning Students

Program length varies by institution, transfer credits, and individual course load. Many RN-to-BSN students at accredited institutions complete their degree in a timeframe that fits their work and family responsibilities. Each student’s completion time may differ based on prior education and academic progression.

Understanding Accreditation and Quality Standards

Choosing an accredited program is essential when returning to school for a BSN.

The RN-to-BSN program at Beckfield College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
CCNE accreditation means the program has undergone a rigorous independent review to confirm it meets standards of quality and continuous improvement in nursing education.

Accreditation does not guarantee specific outcomes but helps ensure:

• The curriculum aligns with established quality benchmarks

• Faculty qualifications meet academic standards

• Student learning outcomes are clearly defined

• Processes exist for ongoing program evaluation and improvement

Beckfield College is also approved to operate by the appropriate state agencies and follows relevant guidelines required by regulatory and oversight bodies such as the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) and applicable federal and state regulations. Beckfield College does not guarantee licensure, job placement, or salary outcomes.

Is an RN-to-BSN Program Right for You?

When deciding whether to pursue a BSN, consider factors such as:

• Your long-term professional goals

• Whether you want broader leadership or community-health knowledge

• The expectations of your current or future employers

• Your readiness to commit time and energy to academic coursework

• Preferred learning format (online vs. hybrid)

• Transfer credit evaluation and program length

Speaking with a program advisor can help you understand admission requirements, transfer credit policies, and scheduling options.

The Beckfield College RN-to-BSN Pathway

Beckfield College’s RN-to-BSN program is built for working RNs seeking an online, academically rigorous pathway to earn a BSN. Highlights include:

• 100% online course delivery

• Flexible scheduling options

• Curriculum focused on leadership, community health, evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and professional growth

• CCNE accreditation

• Support from faculty experienced in nursing education

Students must meet all admission, academic, and graduation requirements, and individual results vary.

Take the Next Step

If you’re an RN exploring BSN-completion programs in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area—and you want a flexible, accredited, online option—Beckfield College’s RN-to-BSN program may be a good fit.

To learn more or speak with an admissions advisor, complete the request for information form on our website. 
Additional consumer information can be found on our Student Consumer Information page.

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